(The PGA Championship from the Wife’s Point of View)

Shelly at the PGA Championship

If you don’t know who I am, my name is Shelly King, wife of Kasey King, owner/publisher of this paper you are reading. You might wonder why I am writing an article for The Charleston Golf News. Well, I was fortunate enough to attend the PGA Championship for a couple of days through Kasey’s media credentials. The deal was, if I go, then I must write an article on my experience. To those of you reading this who are married, you know that in marriage, a deal is a deal. Although, I’m not sure I will make the deal to dress my daughter as a caddie on Halloween.

So, this is my experience.

I got to attend the Monday practice round while my loving and wonderful husband stayed home and watched our 23-week-old daughter. I felt very guilty but if there was any day he was going to miss, it was Monday. I attended with my friend Kelly who is 20 weeks pregnant. Our ride in was perfect with no traffic, easy parking, short shuttle ride and no lines. After getting my media pass and stocking up on cold water we started our adventure. I opted for shade since Kelly is pregnant and it was extremely hot. We found a great spot on the 17th green in the shade of the grandstand. We got to see a few golfers come through in the couple of hours we sat there. The only ones that I knew were Graeme McDowell and Ken Duke. I knew Ken Duke because I remember seeing him win at the Nationwide Tournament on Daniel Island. I knew Graeme McDowell because he is very well-known and not bad to look at.

While we sat on 17, I was texting back and forth with Kasey trying to fill him in. At one point he called to find out who was hitting. I let him know the golfer, whoever it was, was in the “sand box.” Believe me, I was corrected immediately. It’s not that I don’t know it is called a bunker. I’ve played golf, been to golf tournaments, watched golf with Kasey for more than six years and worked at a golf course for the past four years. It was one of those moments that the words just didn’t come out right.

When our shade ran out we decided to head back to the media tent to stock up on snacks and cold water then head to the driving range for a few minutes. We saw Erne Els on the putting green and Phil Mickelson walk by after practicing on the range. Of course there were several other golfers who most of you would know but those are the only ones who I knew. The highlights of the day would have to be sitting on 17 green in the shade, free beverages from the media tent and air conditioned porta-johns that were nicer than my bathroom at home.

Adam Scott

Saturday was the only other day that I got to go out to Kiawah. We had friends watch Katelyn so that I could go with Kasey. I was very excited about Saturday because I was with Kasey and he could fill me in behind the scenes. He knew that I really wanted to see Adam Scott because I have a HUGE crush on him. As soon as we left the media tent, Adam Scott passed us on a golf cart heading to No. 1 to tee off. Needless to say that is where we headed once I caught my breath from seeing him for the first time. Kasey informed me that we were going to get in the ropes and walk with him and Aaron Baddley. Kasey said, “Keep up with me and don’t gawk like a teenager.” It was hard not to gawk but I did a pretty good job of keeping up with him. After our adventures on the front nine we headed back to the media tent for refreshments and AC. On our way we saw the herds of people following Tiger. Unfortunately, the media tent is where my journey ended. The food, refreshments, watching golf on TV,  air conditioning  and the rain delay kept us there until it was time to head home.

The PGA Championship at Kiawah Island for me was a great experience. Even if I hadn’t been spoiled with the free food, beverages and AC, I would have still wanted to attend. This goes down as one of the great memorable experiences that Kasey and I get to share together. As a golfer’s wife it is better to join in the fun of the game of golf, then to have it told to us over and over again as one of their great adventures.